The Power of Now – The Power of Books

Inspired by a true and wise Kurdish friend of mine, when having a great Mediterranean dinner, questions she asked me were so intense that I almost lost my appetite. As I am a typical African, I thought no way will I be paying 15£ for this feast meal, so no time to play around. These issues can be tackled afterwards.

It just happened throughout our meet up that our conversation led to this way. It was insightful to me as I had been quite on the low emotionally around that time, so a friend in need is a friend indeed. She is so content and self-assured, that her energy forced me to reflect on myself in a deeper context. She also sees me as a strong woman, so she knew how to encourage me to stay strong.

Have you ever truly asked yourself:

What makes me happy?

Is my surrounding telling what to do?

Does it take someone to make me happy or feel complete?

Would I possibly blame someone or something for my unhappiness in life?

Is there a time and place to be happy?

If money would not have its necessity and equals nothing: How would I spend my free-time on daily basis?

There were a lot of questions you will surely be asking yourself when reading the book of the author Eckhart Tolle – ”The Power of Now”. I was quite surprised to find myself reflecting on these things, which I thought I already knew and could answer easily but it was not like that at all.

I thank my dear friend for giving me this lovely reading tip as this book helped me to find answers to questions I had about myself. This is one of the most important spiritual books ever written and published.

Even though he does not teach doctrine or dogma, there are still common grounds to be found with the language of Christian traditional spirituality. I can only recommend everyone to grab a copy of this sensational book.

Here are two of the most important observations – timeless spiritual teachings made by the author, that I feel many can relate to and challenge:

“Your life’s journey is no longer an adventure, just an obsessive need to arrive, to attain, to make it. You no longer see or smell the flowers by the wayside either, nor are you aware of the beauty and the miracle of life that unfolds all around you when you are present in the Now.” (E. Tolle 2009:48)

“All negativity is caused by an accumulation of psychological time and denial of the present. Unease, anxiety, tension, stress, worry – all forms of fear – are caused by too much future, and not enough presence. Guilt, regret, resentment, grievances, sadness, bitterness, and all forms of non forgiveness are caused by too much past, and not enough presence.” (E. Tolle 2009:50)

The book reached The New York Times Best Seller list in year 2000, as also was recommended in Oprah Winfrey´s magazine and talk show. He has ever since appeared in several conferences, with Dalai Lama and many other important public figures.